eXtraOrdinarY Kids Research Internship Program
The interdisciplinary eXtraOrdinarY Kids Team offers a competitive summer research internship for trainees interested in pediatric clinical research and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs). Eligible trainees are undergraduate, graduate, medical, genetic counseling, or pharmacy students. The internship is a full-time 40 hour per week intensive training program offered every summer on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, with other sites available across the country. The internship lasts 8 to 10 weeks and usually runs through June and July each year.
About the eXtraOrdinarY Kids Program
The eXtraOrdinarY Kids Program is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with sex chromosome aneuploidies through integrated clinical care and innovative research. SCAs are genetic conditions involving an extra or missing X or Y chromosome, affecting approximately 1 in 400 births. Despite their prevalence, only a limited number of centers worldwide are focused on advancing care and outcomes for this population.
Our clinical-translational research program uses diverse methodologies, including observational studies, clinical trials, translational science, secondary data analysis, and qualitative research, to address critical questions in patient care. Our work emphasizes neuro-developmental, endocrine, and cardiometabolic outcomes across the lifespan.
The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including specialists in Developmental Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, Neuropsychology, Psychology, Genetic Counseling, and Speech and Occupational therapy, alongside experienced research staff. Students are integral members of this team and are matched with projects aligned with their interests and career goals. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in patient-facing research activities, including study visits focused on early neurodevelopment and cardiometabolic health in infants and toddlers with SCAs. This internship is particularly valuable for trainees interested in careers in medicine, behavioral health, genetic counseling, public health, biomedical research, psychosocial research, or education.
Internship Experience
Interns will gain:
- Hands-on exposure to clinical care and patient-oriented research
- A mentored scholarly project tailored to individual interests
- Educational seminars focused on research skills and professional development
- The opportunity to present their work at the eXtraOrdinarY Kids Research Expo
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or medical program
- Demonstrate interest in pediatric clinical research and/or genetics
- Be self-motivated, organized, and eager to learn
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Be eligible to work at the University of Colorado, including passing a background check, passing a urine substance-use screen, and meeting immunization requirements
Preference will be given to individuals from groups underrepresented in medicine and those who contribute to diversity in healthcare.
Location
In-person internships for the 2026 cycle are available at:
- Children’s Hospital Colorado / University of Colorado
- Children’s National Hospital
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Application Requirements
Applicants must be available June 1 through July 31 for full-time, in-person participation (40 hours per week).
Required materials:
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial academic transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Responses to short-answer prompts
Stipend and Timeline
Stipend: $3,800 (housing and transportation not included)
Application Deadline: March 2
Program Dates: June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026
Previous Years’ Interns Highlights and Outcomes
Our summer interns are valued members of the eXtraOrdinarY Kids research team and consistently contribute meaningful work that advances both science and patient care. Below are examples of recent intern experiences and accomplishments:
- Scholarly Contributions: Interns have contributed to peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, and national conference presentations. Several interns have continued their projects beyond the summer, resulting in co-authorship on publications and ongoing involvement in research teams.
- Conference Presentations: Interns regularly present their work at local and national meetings, including pediatric and endocrine research conferences. These experiences provide exposure to scientific communication and opportunities to engage with leaders in the field.
- Clinical Research Experience: Interns gain hands-on experience supporting study visits, including patient interaction, data collection, and coordination of research protocols. Many report increased confidence in clinical environments and a clearer understanding of patient-centered research.
- Mentorship and Career Development: Each intern is paired with dedicated mentors who provide individualized guidance on research skills, career pathways, and professional development. Interns frequently cite mentorship as a defining component of their experience.
- Alumni Outcomes: Program alumni have gone on to pursue careers in medicine, clinical psychology, genetic counseling, public health, and biomedical research. Many credit the internship with shaping their career goals and strengthening their applications to graduate and professional programs.
Intern Reflections
"Interning at the eXtraOrdinarY Research Clinic has been of of the most fulfilling experiences I have had, extending well beyond interdisciplinary research and hands-on medical education. While being a functional member of an active team was part of the role, the clinic's focus on our exposure, career aspirations, professional development, and individual growth is what brought me back for an additional year. This research opportunity is truly unlike anything I have ever seen, and I am forever grateful for the connections and knowledge that will shape my future in the medical field."
- Ami Diatta, '25 and '26 Intern
"Being a part of the eXtraOrdinarY Kids Clinic team was a truly life-changing experience. I am beyond grateful for all the opportunities that being a part of this team has given me. I participated in the internship during the summers of 2023 and 2023. Being part of this team has had a lasting impact on both my academic and professional path. Through the program, I gained amazing experience in clinical settings, developed meaningful connections with providers and patients, and strengthened my passion for healthcare."
- Emma Todd, '23 and '24 Intern
"During my internship, I contributed to a manuscript that was eventually published in Pediatrics. Additionally, I shadowed occupational therapists, physician assistants, genetic counselors, and medical doctors, which helped me narrow down my career options. I have since been accepted to multiple top occupational therapy programs and will start the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Colorado State University this summer. This internship set me apart in many ways, making me a very competitive applicant!"
- Maria Despredel, '24 Intern